Merry CHRISTmas

Greetings to y'all. Are you frazzled with the holiday rush? or have you been able to sit back and relax and enjoy life? We are doing great. We finished our ancient greece unit with a church fellowship. We had "greek" food....beef filled pitas with an homemade garlic dip, beef and onion stew, rice pudding, and cretan cake. It was good....the kids were able to recite Psalm 139 as part as our "finishing". They did well. We won't start ancient rome until jan. 4. During "break" we will continue math and I am assigning a book report. We are going to make a gift bag as the book report....there is going to be a well written summary, a craft or drawing of a gift to the main character, a picture of the setting, an advertisement designed for the book and ....I'm still thinking of and.
If you go to my facebook you will see a new pic of the family, what do you think of the ties on those rednecks? That does not happen often.
My folks are supposed to be here Mon. after Christmas if the weather holds. Please pray for their trip.
I need to sign off for now...Merry CHRISTmas. Love in Him!

Hi once again from the library

Ok. I should be home getting ready for hunting but I need to get out a while. I had to run some errands for Daryl so I ran by here quick like. We are getting ready to go hunting tomorrow night. We both have our tags as I stated before, I hope we get them filled although I have no idea where we will put all that meat. We only have a small freezer aside from the one on our fridge.
Daryl has been spending today making bunks in our slide in camper. We were given it and it is in decent shape but only slept 2-3 people. we are going to be putting all six of us in it so we needed beds. He has been having fun making these bunks and with all that body heat we should not need a heater, which is a good thing because we don't have one.
Have you ever had one of those "blah" days? I am having one today. I dislike these days, even as I post I am thinking this is a "blah"post. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and God has made them all. I need to remind myself "this is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it"
I don't have any more exciting news to report. Pray for us on our hunting trip....we will be gone until Wed. unless we get our animals sooner. Hope you all are having an "un-blah" day.

a QUICK post

ok I am going to post fast. I am trying to not overstay my welcome at Sis. Janis' house....I told her 30 min. I'll try. Thank you sis Smith for the insight. I have further discussed the covering with my friend and explained what I found in scripture. She was going to get me literature on their reasoning. She had questions concerning the flag so we sent home the book on the flag as well as the trac "Introducing The Church of God." She read through it and said it was very interesting. I have invited her to ladies retreat. She was going to discuss it with her husband, (he has befriended Daryl so that could help). I told her if she or her hubby had questions to let us know. She showed up later at my house with a hot dish and fresh bread. I had been sick and she knew about it, she is a mom of 4 too so she said she knew it was hard to get supper on when you don't feel well. This was such a blessing. I think the kids were tired of pb&j.

I want to praise the Lord, I am over this nasty illness. I lost my voice yesterday....no fun. I had been running a fever for a couple of days....again noooooo fun.

I best go. Pray for us, we may be heading to Pueblo for a whirlwind trip. My grandmother passed away Thurs. morn. She had dimension and her body finally quit....she was 93. She has been gone in many ways for years because of the disease. she hasnt known anyone for over a year. It is hard. It seems as I set my mind to go, a piece of my sickness returns. We are not for sure we are going. Pray please for God's help in the decision. I some times feel maybe we shouldn't go. Any way....I have to sign off. Love all y'all.

happy fall

Hi all. It is fall, so be glad y'all! Ok not the best of poetry eh? I have been busy busy busy this year and have not been able to get to a computer until today. I have missed blogging, facebook....not so much. You can't just ramble on facebook you have to have a brief point and wait for a response. That does not work for someone who is only on the computer once a week or month depending on the schedule. So what has been happening with me? We went camping and grouse hunting a couple of weeks ago. It was chilly but fun. Those who know me know I was not raised in a hunting family. I have only killed a rattlesnake and prairie dog and both done with my car. The rattlesnake kill is a funny story. Picture this, I'm 17 heading home on a Friday night after "hanging" out with friends....we lived in Pueblo West on the northside before it was sooo built up. Any who, I am driving along and see a rattlesnake...I slow and run him over, back up and there he still is I run him over again, back up and can't find him....It is quite dark out there so my imagination goes wild. Where could he be, I imagine he has crawled on the tire into the engine and is going to emerge through a hole in my floor where the gas peddle is or maybe through a vent. I get home and am a little on edge...I fling my door open and literally jump as far as I can out of the car and proceed to run to the house. Ok, I thought it was funny.
The point to my story is I have never shot anything, So we are out grouse hunting and see grouse. Daryl jumps out of the pick up and stalks them, I have to find a safe place to park. He gets his and we take it back to camp. He has riddled it with shot so he majorly has to butcher it. The next day we see another on the road, I jump out....and sneak, sneak , sneak....that crazy bird just paced back and forth. I shot and killed it first shot (daryl took about 4 shots before his died) And my kill was a head shot, when daryl and the kids cleaned it, it actually resembled a fryer chicken. I baked them up when we got home, they were pretty good. Rebekah says a cross between a chicken and a turkey. I just had to get passed that I killed that crazy bird....I even apologized to it when I picked it up.....
What I need to get now is some blaze orange to make a "hippy" skirt out of old jeans, we are elk hunting in a couple of weeks and I don't want to get shot, yes I have hats and vests but lots of orange don't hurt. If we fill our tags, I may turn vegetarian for a while.LOL I like to watch elk but have only eaten one once.
Well, I was hoping we were going to ministers retreat but we cant since ladies retreat is the same month. I have to have Daryl take time off for me to go to ladies retreat...so it wont work being so close together. Bummer huh....I guess Bro. Gerald and Sis. Janis will have to give us all the pearls of wisdom when we get back.
We had a very good visit with our Mennonite friends Sunday. The Lord has blessed us with opportunities to visit with several of the Mennonites in Craig. It is interesting, I usually will end up talking doctrinal issues....and this time was no different. The lady and I were talking about dressing holy and she asked, "so do you consider your hair your covering?" She stumped me because I hadn't thought of it and did not have an answer. Afterward I looked up the scriptures about head covering....I found the scriptures where they get their beliefs and I found where our hair is our covering in I Corinth. Are these the right scriptures? Has anyone been approached by these questions? Help....
Well I have to go get the kids from a science class. Hope all is well.....

The first week of school

Yahoo! We have almost made it through the first week of school and it has been great. As some know, we are doing Learning Adventures. Our text books art The Bible and library books. We have a seperate math curriculum. This program is very interactive. I have had a great time reading with them and sharing in their learning. Colton has been reading with us in the Bible. We each read a verse. Colton may not know a word but Rebekah and I help him. He is enjoying reading this way. During the first 30 days, we are studying ancient Egypt. We started in Gen. 37 and have been reading the story of Joseph, we then read about Egypt and the desert. Our Language right now is dealing with the elements of Literature, we then apply that to the story. Today we had to write a paragraph defining the exposition of the story and then list the exposition of the story of Joseph. I am learning with them. The spelling words deal with spelling rules. This week's rule is the i before e except after c or when sounding as a as in neighbor and weigh. It is a good review for Bekah and a learning experience for Colton. They like school this year. A friend down the road has been working with us as she is doing the same unit study. They came over for our egyptian feast of fruits, I sent the older 2 to her house for their diorama of the nile river. Today we are at her house for watching videos on egypt. We were going to make bricks.

Well,I better go for now. We have disturbed her household long enough. Have a great day.

I have not given up on blogland. I was discouraged that no one was still doing this, but Sister Rebekah you gave me hope. Facebook is confusing and way too time consuming although I found 2 of my highschool friends on it and some of my cousins I haven't spoken too in some time. (that was a major run-on sentence wasn't it) It is way to confusing though.

I took the plunge and ordered learning adventures and saxon math. I am scared and excited all at once. Scared because it is new but excited because it is new. The kids can't wait to start school. I would have liked to have more time to organize my classroom....I got rid of a bunch of books and I still have a bunch of books. Is there anyone interested in 2nd and 4th grade Abeka readers...call me I'll make you a deal.

Well, my Bekah girl turned 10 and I turn....non-vlb as of Wed. Just when I was getting into VLB marches it is over....why was I soooooooo stuborn all those years and I didn't want to march. We don't know what we have missed out on until it is gone. : ( I talked Daryl into taking me out for an early b-day lunch Sun. My mom gave me shopping money and phase 10 dice game....WOO HOO thanks sister Emily I love that game. It is so great for quick math skills (the teacher in me just wont stop...I even asked for Newtons Workshop videos for my b-day ....didn't get 'em. boo hoo)

Well I have blogged through a down pore here at the library and it is over. I better sign off for now.

Hi from my folks' house. The kids and I are on a mini vacation at my parents...We have been going non stop it seems. Today was Rebekah's b-day...it is hard to believe she is in double digits. We began the day by going to church with my folks, ate lunch then went to Pueblo to go to church there. After church, we hustled to get Bekah' s cake and go to the restaurant where we were having her party. We invited some great aunts, uncles and cousins....it was good but chaotic. Wait, that is normal in my life.

I did get to see my first bear in the wild Saturday....the mama and her cub were in my parents back yard here in Rye. It was cool. I got pics. Can you see the baby behind mama? I was about 30 feet from them. Maybe not real smart but oh so cool. A little scary though when I go out to my van at night. Mama bear was probably only 2 years old and about as tall as a mastiff or rottweiler. At one point she looked at me but saw I wasn't a threat and went about her busisness. This beat going to the zoo.

We did go to the Denver Zoo on Thurs. it is a pretty good zoo....I was impressed with their snake exhibit. They had all the bad guys it seems, they had about 3 different cobras, various vipers and even mambas. We got to see an anaconda even. These are the bad boys the croc. hunter used to play with....I don't like snakes but they are fascinating.

Fri we went to a county fair in Rocky Ford. It was fun for the kids. They got to ride the rides.

Tomorrow I am taking my grandma out to lunch...pray that goes well, she has had so many falls I am afraid but she is obstinate. I am not taking the kids on this excursion because that would be hard.

I have tried out facebook but I think blogging is more fun. I get lost in all the mini posts on facebook....there are so many games too. It doesn't seem as easy for someone who isn't on the computer much.

I will say good night for now.

is there anybody out there

Ok, I have not been the greatest blogger lately but it seems all have gone to private blogs or face book. I don't think I totally understand face book, I did sign up because several have requested me to be their friend but I don't know what to do. OK technology is no longer my strong suite. Please bare with my ignorance or whatever you want to call it.

I am at Sis. Janis looking at my email and I thought I would blog for half a moment. I am doing this in between responding to txt messages on my phone. I am getting good at txting on my no keyboard phone. I am amazed at the ways we shorten words and deliberately misspell just to get our thoughts down. I was laughing because josh l was txting and we were talking about homeschool but to save one more key swipe we spelled it skool. That is where our education is heading eh? LOL

I need to head back home but wanted to say hey y'all.

Happy Independence Day

Hello. It has been a coon's age since I last blogged and there is soooooo much that has happened. We had the opportunity to go to Family Camp and Convention. It was so good....God is so good. I imagine some have read other's blogs about the great experiences, it was such a blessing. There wasn't any night we went to bed before midnight. On that last night, just as we were finishing Daryl requested prayer...during that time I struggles with one of the most intense migranes I have had in years. I now know it was the enemy trying to "rain" on what was happening....Daryl finally accepted the Lord's calling into the ministry as a pastor. Many know that he has been running from this call since 2002 when the Lord called him at a revival in Pueblo. I have known one of us was called since assembly 2 years ago, but when one is called (expecially called as a pastor) both are called. Does that make sense? It is a lifestyle change that affects the whole family. This is not a position Daryl desires, so I am not sharing this to brag (the enemy has put those thoughts in my head).

I also want to share how God has protected us. When we got home Tuesday night we were exhausted. I ran to the store and and got back at 10:30 I climbed into bed. I smelled something but had no energy to check anything. In the morning, I was making Daryl's sandwiches and he asked if the bread was spoiled, he smelled a spoiled smell, I heard a hissing. One of our stove burners had been turned on, we slept all night with gas pouring in the house. Praise the Lord all were ok. It doesn't end there, I was ligting our gas grill yesterday, I pushed the ignite button, nothing. I did it again, nothing. I finally turned it off then back again....pushed the ignite button and poof. It blew up a huge fire ball in my face...I didn't feel anything but I singed a good portion of my hair and eyebrow on the right side. I didn't even have a chance to say help Lord....He knew and kept it from being a terrible disaster. Praise His Name.

I hope that this blog has found you well in His care. Let us remember to support one another in Love and prayer. Love y'all. Until we meet again, here, there or in the air.

its been a coon's age....

It has been a coon's age since I blogged. It is memorial day and I am so worn out feeling. It seems since the craft/bake sale we have been running non-stop. The next weekend from the sale was convention (which was good!!) then the following weekend was the revival in Craig. We had planned on going to the revival in Aurora but Rebekah was sick and I did not want to bring that in on everyone. She is better, maybe our running finally caught up with us. I forgot to mention the Sat. of the revival here was her piano recital. (pant pant) I have never been so busy feeling in my life.....not that I remember though.
Daryl was over here at Bro. Gerald's helping change tires so I thought I walk down and visit. Sis. Janis is on her way back from Pueblo so I am not visiting much. The kids are playing in the yard and I am typing away. well we are leaving so I have to abruptly end this session. Have a great day.

I have a minute

Hi again. The kids and I walked to Sis Janis' house so I could get on the computer. The last time I was on I was on my way to Yard Sale. I like going to yard sales, there is something theraputic in looking at other peoples "junk." Yes I bought stuff, but I like to yak with folks more than anything. I have made a new acquantaince who I feel drawn to, she attends the apostolic church and we have had interesting talks. I invited her and her hubby and kids to family camp. She wants to go, please pray with me that they will be able to go. It would be great. I would love her to be around all y'all.

Speaking of prayer and camp. This Saturday, we have a booth at the Mother's Day Bazaar at the mall here. We are selling baked goods, popcorn and crafts. Please pray with us that we sell lots and make all we need for camp. I am excited about what the Lord is doing, so many want to come to camp.

By the by, Sis. Becki, it seems that Bro. James' b-day and our anniversary may fall on the same day, June 25? Oh and yes, stay with us when you come. We love having company although Daryl is on me to majorly clean. I am doing my best but you all know how I dread the domestic thing. We have basically the same number of rooms we just have one shower but if we do it right it will be good. I look forward to seeing you all. Sis. Janis and I see one another and get to visit but you are fresh blood hehehehe we love having people visit.

Well the sun is going down so to quote "Sound of Music" The sun has gone to bed and so must I....good bye.

Goin yard salen

ok I have got to be quick. I am at Sis. Janis and I talked her into goin yard salen. I just wanted to touch base with you all. It seems life is crazy busy! My hubby has been workin hard and just got home from 2 weeks away. boo hoo This is the life of a truck driver. We are celebrating 15 years of marriage this year and I should be used to it. (our anniversary is during camp this year so no romantic get aways..... not that that ever happens now with 4 youngins)
ok I hear Sis Janis so I better rap up. Sis. Becki, We are glad you have ac....you are staying with us when y'all come up right. Don't worry space, it's all good. ok gotta make like a banana and split :)

something to do night before Easter

Here is a recipe to do the night before Easter.

You need:
1 c. whole pecans
1tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 c. sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 (this is important-don't wait until you're half done)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been clensed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22
GO TO BED!
On Easter morning open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!!! Explain that on the firs Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1

Happy Resurrection Day!!!!!!!

I found info

Through the help of someone at the church where we have co-op classes I got the info I was looking for. It was a dr account, discussing how romans scourged prisoners giving the details. It has been emotional for me to read through this....God loved us THAT much. I know y'all know that but it is good to remember. Sometimes we feel frazzled, think how Jesus felt. Sometimes we are hurt, Jesus was hurt. Sometimes we want to "run" away, Jesus didn't, he could have but he loved us sooooooo much. That is awesome!!!!

ok, I'm appalled. I am our VLB leader and my service is Sunday so I thought I would look up info on the crucifixion. I remember bro Keven doing one that explained in detail what was done to Jesus. I was looking for that info...among genuine info was pornography concerning the crucifixion. I was so upset. why do this so I got so frustrated that I quit looking. If any one has this info can y'all call me. Get my # from sis janis if you don't have it....I have faxing capabilities at this same number. I will probably not be checking my blog again before Sun. Can you help?

R U CHICKEN?????

Ok, so I just called you out....right sister Janis ya want to step outside....do ya' feel lucky...huh? do ya' ? No, ok I am actually going to talk about our latest pets. Yes you guessed it. Cute cuddley baby chicks. Daryl has wanted to do this for a while. Again, I will post pics of these when I can get Janis to help me. We got 4 Bantams and 2 fryers. This is a true lesson for the kids, they know where chicken nuggets come from but kinda don't. Do you know what I mean? They have formed attachments to the little banties but not to Tyson and Cordon Blue. They know that they will be ready to butcher at 6 weeks so better not love them to much. I named those 2 chicks....I have a cousin that had a turkey named Butterball. Do you know they never ate him, when he got so big he broke down in the legs, she took him to the vet to have him put down. Crazy huh? She eats meat just not pets. She is the bird and wild critter rescuer in Pueblo. If someone finds a nest of chicks or abandend baby squirrels, she nurses them back to health and reintroduces them to the wild.

Now back to the fryers....there is one problem. There was a rumor about the church that owned the building before The Church of God. It was that they sacrificed chickens. The story, as I understand it, came from them having a play with live animals. The chickens got loose and they had to chase them across the park. Someone saw this and jumped to conclusions. This is one of those small town USA stories where, even though the Church has now owned the building since 1994 people think we are those people. Don't you just love rumors....not. I have done my best to tell everyone I know this funny story and explain it is not true. I have also told Daryl he will be butchering out at the mill or some where else.

One other problem, I am getting different answers as to whether it is legal or not to have hens in town. I know most towns frown on roosters. They are noisy, in my opinion not as noisy as boom boom cars. What gets me is we are a "rural" type town, I can make it most anywhere in town in
5 minutes or less. Why would chickens be a problem, we aren't some huge town with tons of rules. Oh well, I don't want to break the law, so I am finding out the answer. If they are not allowed, Sister Cheryle have a few more chickens. She has a bunch now.

This is our final day of testing. I will surrender this computer to my friend soon and I will be back to the library or Sis. Janis' house. bummer eh? I will do all I can to figure this picture thing out so stay tuned.

Just a side note Sister Smith, haven't you ever felt schiencey....you know science is over rated but schience now there is a subject. (I guess I better spell check more :)

poor poor pitiful me?

I guess it happens to all bloggers, they think...."hey, why would anyone want to read my blog, I am not interesting, everyone else is interesting but not me. why do I blog then, if no one wants to read it.....all those other blogs are soooooooo cool and soooooo interesting!" You know, or maybe you don't, the little pity party we sometimes throw. ok, maybe not you but the little pity party I throw, where noone is invited save me, myself and I. Stupid huh? Oh well, that was my bummer for the morning but party over, y'all ain't gonna get rid of me THAT easily. Believe it or not, I may even post a picture when I figure out how. Someone once said, you will get more comments if you post a pic. I have a couple to post, but I am borrowing a friends laptop today and don't know if my camera will connect. I am technologically challenged. I still remember dot matrix printers and making huge banners with those. So keep tuned, I may figure it out yet.

You may be wondering why I'm blogging today, it isn't my escape to the library day. I am working for the next 2 1/2 days as a proctor for the CSAP. THe big test in CO that kids have to take, not my kids, I give a different test that doesn't have to be proctored and isn't so stressful. Any way I have a room of 3, 4, 5 graders and we are in the midst of a session. By law, I cannot disclose any info not that you woul be interested. I have my opinions as well, but just in case I won't give you those. Call me and I can go on for hours. Anyway. This was a long session and the kids haven't had any questions so here I sit on a borrowed computer. These kids are part of online homeschools here. Just a side note.

My kids are with a friend from the homeschool group. She picked them up at 7:00 am and took them to her house. I sent them with school to do, she used to teach in the public schools so I know she will keep them on task. She also talked about doing schience experiments today so I know they will have fun. She has some distractions there.....11 cats, 1 dog and 4 horses.

I don't know if y'all heard, but I had a gallbladder attack one week ago Sunday. Sister Janis took me to the ER, just for them to take some tests, give me some pain meds and send me home. I had further tests last week, they came out somewhat normal but I still have a dull pain that is staying with me....I am seeing a nutri therapy lady today. I have heard she is not new agey but I know that field can be that way. I am also changing my diet...I am trying to stay away from fatty foods and spicey foods. The latter is harder I like mexican food, green chili is my weakness. I have to say my other vice I have been doing well....I love to drink coca-cola. I have not had one in 9 days. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a feat for me!!!!! I haven't craved it until I mention not craving. Well it is lunch time at 10:40 in the morning but that is the schedule. I will blog later.

A sad day....

Today was a rough day. We had to get rid of our dog that we have had since he was a pup. He was only 1 1/2 years old but he was a part of the kids and my daily life. He needed a better life than we could give him, he was high strung which is normal for herding dogs. He now lives on a farm where neighborhood kids won't tease him and he can bark without fear of animal control coming to hand me a ticket. It was still hard but I reminded the kids that it is best all around. He was a big dog, 70 lbs and not fat, with bigger needs than I could meet. It wasn't fair to him to have to be kenneled every time I went to the store or to homeschool coop. I think it is best. When I got him, I didn't know he would be so big. I have had each of the 2 breeds he was a mix of and they are a medium size dog but he was tall too.

We had our co-op class today. It went well, we invited a group of ladies called the cowbelles. They demonstrated some things that were a part of dailly life in the early 1900's. They showed the kids how to use a washboard and they brought irons of the time. My my, we complain about ironing and wash....we should be so thankful for modern conveniences.

It looks as if spring may have sprung up here in coldsville. It was in the upper 60's today. It is beautiful. Well until next time.

Is it spring yet?

Ok with a title like that you may think, she must not like the cold up there in Craig. I actually like the weather here, last year I was fine with snow until June but this year I am chomping at the bit to get outside. I used to be that way as a kid, I was always horseback in good and not so good weather. I don't have those four legged wonders now but I want to get out and walk or something. I am sooooo not a domestic. My poor hubby wishes I were, but when you grow up in a barn, cleanig stalls a clean house is not a priority. Well, I am trying to do better. We may have some Mennonite friends visiting in the next couple of weeks so I best be cleaning. You know they keep a clean house (or at least that is what I assume.)

Today, Rebekah and I went to distribute four prayer shawls to some ladies at the nursing home. This was a great experience. This was a chance to tell them God loves them. Two of the ladies had some emotional problems but were so excited about the shawls. Another lady is 102 years young. She was so awesome. Rebekah said mom, she doesn't look 102. I was thrilled to meet her. With the last lady, we weren't able to visit but were able to give the shawl to her grandson who had just arrived to visit. This was a chance to share God's love with her family. Please pray for these ladies, God knows their hearts and where they are with Him. Unfortunately, our visits were very brief but I pray that they felt God's love. Pray for this endeaver as well. I was asked by the director of this ministry to help. She first asked her pastor if it was ok to include someone from another church, he agreed. This is a great opportunity for The Church of Godto be known and open some doors.

Well, it is spring break in the public schools this week but we will trudge on. We have had other breaks and may have one at the end of the month as I am proctoring the CSAP for the online school up here. We finally got into a good routine with Colton and Grady. It is funny, Grady turned 5 in Feb. and is having trouble writing the number 5 so he doesn't want to be 5. He says his birthday is a dream, he is still 4. It is so funny. This from the boy who refused, in tears, to eat monkey bread. Why? because he doesn't eat anything made from monkeys.

On the same point, I was looking at my cookbooks and found a recipe for frog-eye salad. Rebekah wrinkled her nose, "EWWW mom!" NO little one, this is not made out of frog-eyes.

On that I will say tata for now. For those who follow Him, we will see you here, there or in the air. PRAISE GOD!!!!!

ok an extra blog today....how do you get those cool backgrounds. Sis. Janis tried but with no success. Anyway let us know.

Do you feel bad for me?

Ok Ok after viewing Sis. Janis' blog, do any of you feel any remorse......for his family? I am just kidding, my husband does alot of "interesting" things with his facial hair but this is a first for the top of his head. I learned a long time ago to get over it. After we had been married for a short time he shaved his handle bar mustache, I literrally cried. I can't say this latest thing thrilled me at all but hey what is a girl to do. I do have to say, at least he is a truck driver, meaning he usually has a week before he gets home and time grows hair.

We had an interesting thing happen this week, Rebekah was invited to a birthday pary that had at least 2 elements that we do not do. This was the first experience for Rebekah and Hannah to go against the flow. It has not been easy because so many can say what is wrong with ice skating or what is wrong with swimming. I used to use this arguement as a teen and my mom would say, "What is right with it?" Sometimes it is hard for us adults too. We can justify so many things in life can't we? The men who prayed and created (through Holy Ghost direction )the advice to members were looking out for our souls and Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Believe me, one of these has been a harder thing for me to "get" but I cannot compromise God's standards. God knows all things.

We had co-op class today. Isn't it ironic that it was a class on germs and I woke up feeling very sick. My stomach just turned and twisted accompanied by unpleasant side effects. I made it through class. YIPPEE!!!! Next week one of the mom's volunteered to do a watercolor class, WAHOOOO! The following week a group called the "Cowbelles" is doing a pioneer lunch along with teaching us quilting all set in pioneer timees. Double Yippeee.....The next week we are designing homeschool tshirts with a local printing company. I know I sound as if I don't want to do classes....I do, I just am a bit stressed out. It just hit me, the last week is district convention, I guess we may not be there depending on what time we leave.

Well, was I too serious in today's blog? I hope not Hope you all stay tuned to my borning ol blog. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!

Are you crafty?

Sister Janis and I have been trying to come up with great ideas for fundraising to go to camp and convention. We have the opportunity to have a table at a Mother's Day Craft Sale on May 2. Here is our request that maybe y'all will pray about. When it comes to this type of thing, we are small and need help. We were wondering if any of you WONDERFUL ladies could do something crafty to donate for the Church to raise funds. I know some of you stamp, crochet, sew and the like, if you could send something simple it would help relieve some of our stresses. Think and pray about it and then let us know. Either contact Sis. Janis or myself. OK enough begging and pleading:)

We all have camp on the brain right now, the kids cannot wait, we cannot wait. I never knew how much fun camp could be until we went up in Washington when we were there. It was sooooooo much fun, so last year was a first for us. We had never been to this regions family camp. Y'all were supprisingly reserved in comparison to some of the antics we had up yonder but it still was GREAT. Now don't get offended by what I just said, it is just that I have spent alot of time with some of you and I know a wild side. Although, I figured out many stayed up late and played games....maybe this is when you let your hair down. (I didn't figure out that you stayed up late until after camp, we were way up in bull snake country and didn't know the goings on down by the kitchen:) I still can't wait for camp. Please pray with us that we can get the kids to come that came last year in addition to some others on our hearts.

I have been asked to assist with the Craig Prayer Shawl ministry. I had a meeting with the lady that works with the lady prisoners who make the shawls. I then met with the activities director at the local nursing home. Daryl and I will be bringing the shawls in and sharing God's love with the people. I am excited, it gives The Church more contact in the community. Please pray with me about this endevor. To God be the Glory!

Well, I need to probably be researching again. I am doing the lesson on germs and the immune system. Last Friday we had a great field trip to Wyman's Museum. We made butter and watched silent films. It was fun.

Catch y'all on the flip side!!!!

The Flu.....Don't try this at home

It has been 2 weeks since I have been able to blog. As you may have guessed, we got sick. I haven't read sister Janis' blog before I wrote this but it started with Hannah and Colton getting sick. They came down with the fever and all at the same time, they even peaked at about the same time. Then as all good families should do, we shared it with one another. Daryl and I were last to get it and we still are not 100%. If anything, it made Daryl take a few days off and we vegged in front of the tv. We had a anne of green gables marathon, watched a bunch of history cartoons with the kids, and put on our Bible DVD. We finished entire books of the Bible. (We don't have cable or dish, so we depend on what we have on VHS and DVD) Despite sickness, this gave us great family time. We played the occasional game, but this sickness required activities that did not require movement or thought.

I was able to go to class that fri. with the help of sis Janis. She came to the house and watched all the sickies (since she and Hannah were sick as well) I then went. I felt I really needed to share with the kids the greatest Valentine' s gift, the love of God. He loved us so much, He sent His Son to die for us. Now that beats all the mushy Valentine's one could get. In our group, we have kids who attend an organization that does not acknowledge the deity of Jesus. They think He was a good prophet but leave it at that. I dreamt for 2 days about sharing this, other wise I would have missed class.

We had a "cell" abration with the class. The other gal who I asked to teach this brought her husband's(he's a dr) microscope and she had a power point presentation. They then made a model cell with cookies and icing. I had to leave early, the cookie was my part of the presentation but I was getting sick. She taught science for 21 years in TX so I knew she could take over.

I now have to come up with next weeks lesson. I want to stick with cells but focus on germs. "The Germenator", discuss white blood cells and their fight against antigens. I want to make it fun but educational. Keep me in prayer as I put this together, please.

I have been checking out other curriculums for next year, I am happy with Abeka but I was intrigued with some of the info I was given on "Learning-Adventures" This is a unit study but as with any unit study is cross curricular. They go so far as to tell you Day 1 do this and so forth. The only subject it does not cover is math. It is history based. It departs from the real structure-structure of Abeka but I was told it is still very structured. It is geared for grades 4-8. If any of you have heard of it let me know. What really intrigued me was that they said that the library was your passport and the Bible was your guide. Daryl and I have discussed that we need more of the Bible. We need to write it on our hearts and help our kids write it on their hearts. We see the end nearing every day and only God knows when it will be but we need to be ready. I find the urgency even as I school my "blessings."

Well, I need to do some "germ" research, that is why I am on the internet today so good bye for now.

Fun Homeschool time

Hey. Can you guess where I am right now. The library again. I wanted to share with you the cool class we had yesterday. To give you background, we are a part of a homeschool group here and I am now in charge of classes. I learned how to delegate which is hard for me. I like having control and since I wasn't teaching all of the class, I struggled. I let one of our new parents take over, she taught science in the TX public schools and is the wife of a doctor. It seemed fitting she should know alot about the circulatory system and the heart. ( I chose the theme to go with valentine's day) My duties were to secure the hearts, which were freshly removed from their owners on Thurs by the local butcher. I was only able to get one cow heart and one hog heart but two are better than none. (NO fermaldihide, but still a stink to a point. ) The gal who taught the class had prepared a power point presentation and had a tour of a virtual museum. We had a coloring station with heart scriptures and we had an exercise station where we took resting pulse rates and active. I had to then take blood pressures, the old way with cuff and stethescope. I learned how to do this my senior year of high school, needless to say I was out of practice. Daryl took the morning off and helped the kids with the heart disection. I avoided the area, as I gag when I remove the fat from a roast. The kids had a great time.

Now how to have as dynamic of a class next week. I am thinking of creating a "cell" city. I coppied some lesson plans, we'll see how that goes. Any ideas out there, fellow bloggers.

Well, I need to probably get home. Daryl stayed with the little guys to give me some time. He needs to head to work.

Until next time.

Hello. I am trying a new ritual. "Me Time" at the public library. That sounds very interesting doesn't it? Well, I had to run a couple of errands and Daryl is home with the kids. This is my me time, I may even go to the store and buy cheese. OOOOOOOOOOH AHHHHHHHH what suspense EH? Any who, I thought I might just put a new post.
We watched Fireproof yesterday after church. This is a pretty good movie. I have enjoyed movies from this group in Georgia. Flywheel was wonderful as was Facing the Giants. Have y'all seen these. I do have to say that this new one had us crying in the first five min. and on the edge of our seats afew mins later. I pray that more and more of the Truth is revealed to this group as they continue this area of ministry. There is one part of the movie that the husband takes a baseball bat to the computer. My hubby was cheering, if you don't know...he does not like the computer much nor the internet. He has got on it at other people's houses to look something up but as you know, he doesn't want it in our house.
Our prayers go out to Bro. Gerald as he had been sick yesterday. Also, we are praying that Sis. Horne is feeling much better. I need to sign off for now....better a little post than nothing.

Hey....you miss me:)

Hi all, have you missed my witty repetoire or are you glad my free internet at home ran out? :) I just wanted to say hey to everyone.... I pray your new year is off to a great start. We had a great service last night, it was a night of discussion. It was only Bro Gerald, Sis Janis, Hannah and us but God knew what we needed. It gave me encouragement. We all know how this world can be discouraging. We discussed being ready for His call,that midnight cry, it can come at any time. Now is the time for salvation, let us live our lives holy before Him. Who cares about the world right....I don't want to flirt with the devil in any way. The scripture says resist the devil and he must flee. Praise God, my God has that kind of power.
Well, it is snowing again. We had a small reprieve but it is back. Last week was sunshiney but now it is snowing. I still like snow, don't get me wrong. I don't like ice, maybe it is those painful memories of breaking my leg in Spokane. I am currently at the library, I need to do some research on Valentine's Day. I have an Adventures in Odyssey that tells about the man Valentine, I just want to check the facts. (nothing but the facts ma'am) I also am looking for the last of the Nellie Fisher books by Bev. Lewis. I am hooked, I love those Amish fictional books. I found The Parting and The Forbidden on cd I hope the have The Longing. Well, I best tend to that.... See you all here, there or in the air.

Hi, I am still here, sorta

Hi all. I hope you had a great holiday! Ours felt like a whirlwind....can you believe that it is over and now Jan. 2009. Wow!!! My folks did make it on Christmas Eve and left Sun. morning after Christmas. It was good to see them. We are now just trying to stay warm....we have had some cold days. Monday morning was -22 degrees. I think our high hit the single digits on the plus side. I thought I would take a few moments to "blog" but I have the daunting task of cleaning out our daughters room so that Daryl can finish the remodel in there. He wants the bed and all out....yikes and of course this is church cleaning day. We have to be ready for tomorrow. I won't write long, I just wanted to say hi.
Our condolences go out to the Horne's on the loss of their dog. These critters become such a part of the family, it is hard.

Good bye for now, keep on keeping on for the Lord.